free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
The forecast was for blue skies, and with snow capped peaks I felt the need to get out and about. I did not have much time so I wanted to choose a peak close to the road that would not take up too much time (I was also due out the day after too so did not want to tire myself too much!). Video :
However the only down side was going to be the wind – 40-50mph and 85mph gusts on exposed ridges and summits!! It was forecast to be coming from a south easterly to easterly direction so a bit of searching through books and maps and I decided on Garbh Bheinn near Kinlochleven. I planned to ascend up the WNW shoulder hoping that I could keep out of the wind if need be.
I left the car just before the bridge at around 09.00AM and it was a little gusty but not too bad. I headed up Torran nan Crann – trying to keep my feet of the water ice and on the grass to stop me slipping (was not too bad – not enough for crampons yet!!). I quickly reached the snow line at Torran and the views over to the Mamores from here were brilliant. The white peaks with clouds scudding by was awesome. Stob Ban looked particularly close. Looking west I could see down Loch Leven into Ardgour past the Pap of Glencoe.
- looking westwards
- Mamores
The route levelled out a little here but I could see it was going to be a steep pull for the rest of the way!! I headed up toward Stob Coire Sgoite going past two or three little rocky outcrops (which were easily skirted round). The wind was not too bad, but every now and again I’d be hit by mini “snow Devils” which were probably being caused by down winds coming over the summit perhaps?? Anyway there were quiet impressive – you could see them coming down the hill like mini tornadoes towards you!!
Looking up I could not see the summit and there were a few false summits on this walk. The clouds were whizzing over the top so I knew that when I reached the top it would be very windy. My main concern at this point though was “the stiff scramble” when reaching Stob Coire Sgoilte. It looked a little daunting when I reached it, but I traversed to the right (south) of the crag and gained the ridge via a short steep gully. The top was now in sight and the wind was certainly picking up!!
- Aonach Eagach from North
- phone picture from summit as sony had frozen shut!!
- looking south
- Buchaille on way home
I reached the top took some pictures and video and about turned! It was now 1145. It was taking me longer than expected. I think this was due to the powdery snow which covered the loose rocks which made the going a little tough with crampons on (that’s my excuse anyway!!).
I headed back down the same way until the bealach and then turned south to descend into Gleann a Chalais, thus skirting Torran nan Crann. Got back to the car about 12.45 – 13.00 ish. All in all a cracking short hike, the views were great – forgot to mention the north side of the Aonach Eagach which swallowed the views south for the entire day – caught the sun rising over it too which proved a great sight.
Next day did this- a busy weekend!! :